THE COLOR PURPLE–LORT BCELIE: female, African-American, 20s-early 30s. Drives the story. Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, mischievous, seemingly passive but really not, has a deep, hard soul, believes that she is ugly, has a sense of humor which is sometimes wicked. She is an observer. Needs a great belt singing voice with lots of soul.SHUG: African-American, 30s-40s, A popular singer, we meet her at death's door. Attractive, confident, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, but has a frailty, like a wounded animal. Her vulnerability is shocking later on. She is loved by both Celie & Mister. Needs a knockout, Bessie Smith-style, bluesy singing voice.MISTER: male, African-American, 30s-40s. Like Celie, a deep well. Handsome, big, masculine, strong presence, dominating, capable of brutal behavior but also a victim in his own way. Gets his power for free. Married to Celie, he abuses her. He is in love with Shug. He transforms to a kind man by the end of the story. Needs a great singing voice.SOFIA: female, African-American, 30s, Powerful warrior woman. Physically bigger but beautiful. Comfortable being large, great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. Needs comic chops. Needs a great belt singing voice.HARPO: male, African-American, 20s, Mister's vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. Represents the new generation. He marries the independent Sofia. He spends much time trying to get Sofia to obey him the way Celie obeys his father, but he is unsuccessful, as Sofia is considerably stronger than he is. Harpo eventually establishes a jukejoint in his first house & becomes Squeak's lover. Later, he & Sofia reconcile. Through his love of Sofia, he learns how to love a woman. Needs a great tenor singing voice.NETTIE: female, African-American, 20s, Celie's younger sister. Attractive, adventuresome, feisty spirit, maternal, more educated and knowledgeable than Celie. She has a powerful bond with Celie. Forced by Mister to leave Celie, she starts a new life in Africa. Needs a great belt singing voice with African influence.SQUEAK: female, African-American, 20s, Harpo's lover after Sofia leaves him. Although she is mistreated, she eventually undergoes a transformation, demanding to be called by her actual name, Mary Agnes, and starting a new life. She is of mixed ancestry. Attractive, sassy, fiery, strong-willed, unafraid to take anybody on, has a caring heart. Needs comic chops. Needs a great singing voice with belt & soprano capability.ENSEMBLE: Males & females, 20s - 50s, African-American. All types & singing ranges. Need fantastic singing voices & dynamic personalities. To play various roles in the ensemble. The ensemble includes a trio known as Church Ladies, busybody types who are featured throughout the show.

AFTER ALL THE TERRIBLE THINGS I DO–LORT DDANIEL: male, 20s, typically Midwestern, goofy, tall, handsome, strong, large but not fat, recent college graduate, creative writing major, looking for quiet & space to figure out his own life and create his first real novel, looking to reconnect to a place from his youth, no stereotypical physical gay characteristics or mannerismsLINDA: female, late 40s, Filipino, typical American immigrant, been in America for at least two decades, conscientious and successful business owner, smart, caring, generous, gay son who committed suicide

FIVE PRESIDENTS–LORT BKIRBY: male, 30s-40s, Secret Service AgentGERALD FORD: male, 81, 38th President of the United StatesJIMMY CARTER: male, 70, 39th President of the USRONALD REAGAN: male, 83, 40th President of the USGEORGE H.W. BUSH: male, 70, 41st President of the USBILL CLINTON: male, 48, 42nd President of the US